Best known for his “5 S’s strategy” for soothing babies, Karp took his many years of expertise in sleep science to develop the first-ever “smart bassinet.” In 2016, the SNOO Smart Sleeper was born, promising new parents longer and better nights of sleep – for their infants and consequently for them, too. Dubbed “the biggest game-changer” in the sleep department by thousands of reviewers, the SNOO has fascinated the press from its very beginning. We wanted to wait until the product was thoroughly vetted before writing a review of the SNOO. So now it’s verdict-time: can the SNOO really save the day… ahem, night?

I (Charlene) used the SNOO with my second child and put together this tell-all guide about it based on my own experiences, the reflections of dozens of other users, and careful product research to help you figure out whether the SNOO might make a worthwhile purchase for your family.

Overview

Is the SNOO worth it?

In a nutshell: possibly. I know, I know – for such a big-ticket item, you’d probably prefer to see a big confident “YESSSS!” But alas, every baby is unique and thus responds differently to different products. What works for one infant may not work for another, so we can’t make any guarantees.

That said, we absolutely LOVED it – my son was sleeping eight hours straight by the time he was 6 weeks old and slept through the night shortly after (more on that later). Though my son might have been born a good sleeper, I like to believe that the SNOO had a little something to do with it.  

Price

First things first: let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the SNOO is pricey. Costing over $1,700 (with taxes), it may be the most expensive piece of baby gear (or furniture period) you’ll ever purchase.  

The good news is, its resale value is fairly good, listed for up to $1,000 on various resale websites.

Note that the SNOO purchase comes with a 30-day trial period, so if it’s not working out for you, know that you can return it and get your money back. 

How It Works

The SNOO smart bassinet uses womb-like sensations (rocking and swoosh sounds) to help babies fall asleep faster. Thanks to its sensors, the SNOO knows when and how to respond to fussy infants and will use white noise and motion to calm crying and boost sleep.

It has 4 different settings that range between softer and quieter to fall and stay asleep, and faster and louder for midnight meltdowns. If your baby calms down and falls back to sleep, the SNOO will eventually stop the motions and white noise (depending on the settings you decide on). But if the baby remains upset after a few minutes at the highest setting, the SNOO stops and signals through the app that the baby requires your attention (a wet diaper or a little snack, perhaps? Yes, those will still happen. Not even the SNOO can completely eradicate the midnight munchies). 

The Setup

The SNOO comes complete with a mattress, a fitted sheet and three attachable swaddles (one S, one M, and one L to grow with baby). Take it out of its dust bag and attach the legs to the bassinet – an easy process with the colored arrows. Once the arrows are aligned, simply push the leg into the slot until you hear a click to secure them. Then, turn the knobs until you feel some resistance. Repeat this process for each leg. 

You’ll then flip the SNOO onto its legs and set it up next to an outlet (*NOTE — it needs to be plugged in!). Your SNOO is ready to use. For a step-by-step on how to set up, visit the brand’s page. 

The Step-by-Step

1. Swaddle your baby in one of the SNOO sleep sacks. Choose the size that’s appropriate for your infant’s size/weight. Read more about swaddling.

Made of organic cotton and breathable mesh to avoid overheating, this swaddle is as foolproof as it gets. It features inner velcro panels that keep your baby’s arms tightly down so as to avoid any startle reflex. Once you secure the arms, zip the swaddle closed and voilà! No need to practice secret ninja moves or burrito wrapping every time you swaddle.

We loved this sleep sack, not just because it was easy to use and stress free, but also because my son, though extremely strong and tenacious, never found a way to Houdini his way out of it. Swaddle: 2,436 – Leon: 0. 

2. Secure the swaddle to the bassinet with the clip-in wings. This feature is to prevent babies from turning onto their bellies. Remember that the supine position is the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS.

When my first son was an infant, I lost so much sleep not because he wasn’t sleeping, but because I was so freaking worried about sleep safety. Every night, I would sleep with one eye open and constantly check on his positioning and breathing. The new-parent anxiety is REAL, folks (especially if you’re already an anxious person).

With my second, the SNOO’s attached swaddle really gave me peace of mind – there was literally no way for my baby to toss and turn into unsafe positions. That alone made a huge difference in my ability to get more shut-eye. Most parents — even those who aren’t wowed by the SNOO itself — appreciate the security the swaddle provides. 

BTW: The SNOO sleep sack was so popular that Karp created the Sleepea: the same SNOO swaddle, but without the clip-in wings, that you can use with any bassinet and/or crib. So you can buy them even if you don’t have a SNOO.

On the downside, if your baby falls asleep anywhere but the SNOO, it can be *awkward and hella annoying to affix your swaddled baby into the SNOO after the fact.

Making this transfer does take some getting used to, but I discovered the trick: put your baby slightly higher in the bassinet than you envision him to be, so that it’s easy to slide the wings into the bed’s attachment. They are fairly stretchy, so it ended up being easier than I anticipated. 

Another tip: you may want to try turning the SNOO on before securing the baby, as getting the motion started before putting your baby down seems to be effective for many parents. 

3. Turn the bassinet on. The bed will start slowly rocking your baby to sleep while also playing a soft continuous woosh – a sound comparable to what babies hear when they are in the womb. This combo is supposed to help your infant fall asleep on their own, faster. Essentially, the SNOO serves as an extra set of “hands” so you don’t have to do all the rocking at bedtime.

I was skeptical about this^^ at first. After all, nothing beats the sweet, sweet “mom sway.” But I had to accept defeat (or is it a win??) ‘cause by the time Leon was 6 weeks old, he’d fall asleep within minutes. On his own. (“On his own,” HAH.) Meanwhile, I was catching up on Game of Thrones with a glass of wine in hand. We’d bathe him, feed him, sing him a little song, and put him down awake. Shortly after, he was sound asleep, and the SNOO would stop rocking (though we did keep the sound machine going – we live in New York City so our surroundings can be quite loud and disruptive). Magic, y’all.

4. Let the SNOO step in when your baby fusses. Of course, Happiest Baby doesn’t claim that all night wakings will be eliminated. After all, babies still need to eat periodically throughout the night, so some wakings are normal and expected. But when your little one wakes and starts crying in the middle of the night, the bassinet will know to speed the motion up and increase the soothing sound – so you can, hopefully, rest easy.

The company claims that the smart bassinet can soothe babies back to sleep in less than a minute. But if not, that’s when the stronger, higher settings kick in. If the SNOO progresses through all the levels and the baby is still crying, the moving/sound features discontinue and the app sends an alert to let you know that they need you. 

This feature really did afford me longer nights at an early stage. While Arthur (my firstborn) didn’t sleep through the night until we sleep-trained him at 8 months old, Leon was sleeping through the night (and I mean, 12 consecutive hours) by 3 months (we didn’t dodge the 4-month-old regression, though it wasn’t as brutal as with Arthur). Sometimes, I actually had to wake him up, and by the time he was just six weeks, my husband and I were routinely getting 8-hour stretches of sleep (#humblebrag). 

Does It Actually Work?

We absolutely loved the SNOO, but it’s possible that it worked so well for our son because he was already a good sleeper. I mean, still to this day, he can literally sleep through anything… Proof

Though a majority of parents report success — strong evidence in support of the SNOO’s efficacy — there are also families who used it with two different children and reported it working with one but not the other. Again, to every child their own – that’s what makes shopping for baby things (whether it’s strollers or bottles or swaddles) so difficult. Other parents said they had to figure out their baby’s sleeping schedule and daily/evening routines before the SNOO actually started working for them.

One thing to be aware of: though the company offers settings that will help your baby transition off all the swaying and “white noising” when the time comes, it can be hard for little ones to quit the SNOO (just like it can be hard to quit swaddling…). After all, babies grow accustomed to the constant motion and soothing sounds (shoot, they came out of the womb accustomed to these sounds, which is the entire premise of this space-agey bassinet altogether, hah). We were able to wean Leon off the SNOO gradually by following the same method as the one commonly recommended to wean off the swaddle: freeing up the arms one by one, then using the weaning setting on the bassinet. But many parents said that graduating from the smart bassinet to the crib was a big challenge, and they felt like they were starting from scratch.

One parent said, “Our Snoo stopped moving within 4 weeks of using it. Now we are dealing with a baby that is used to sleeping with the SNOO motion and noise. Bad idea!” This was a used device, but still worth emphasizing: this device is just that — a device — and because it relies on electricity, you do run the risk of finding yourself at the mercy of the technology. If anything happens to the SNOO (a malfunction, say) or the power goes out, you may be sh*t out of luck. 

That being said, there are many reports of parents who started using the SNOO because their newborn required endless rocking, swaying, walking, bouncing; whose babies didn’t sleep more than 1.5 consecutive hours at night. And in many of those cases, the smart bassinet did wonders. Some parents say their babies were sleeping 12 consecutive hours at 8 weeks old.

The App

The SNOO’s built-in app doesn’t beat around the bush – it’s simple, straightforward, and has no bells and whistles. 

Through the app, you can customize your baby’s SNOO settings. Translation: you can choose your “start” levels for motion and sound (slower/faster and softer/quieter) as well as how responsive you want the bassinet to be to cries and movements. 

Additionally, the app doubles as a sleep monitor (note: not an audio or video monitor): it tells you if your baby is calm and sleeping, or if they are fussy and being soothed by the SNOO. It also tracks sleep. I personally didn’t use the stats because I would have driven myself crazy checking it unnecessarily. But if you thrive with data, you’ll enjoy this: you can check the total amount your baby gets each day (nap and nighttime combined), the longest stretch of ZZZs per night, and how much your baby sleeps during the day vs. night (just to name a few).

Some people reported connectivity issues – such as syncing the app with the actual device — which is really unfortunate when you have a fussy baby. Similarly, some users complain that if there’s an internet cutout, power outage or you mistakenly unplug the SNOO (how old fashioned, LOL), reconnecting the bassinet to the app can prove challenging. I personally didn’t have these issues, but they’re something to note and be aware of. 

The Design

Ok, when it comes to sleep, the way a product looks doesn’t (and shouldn’t) matter. But I’m not gonna lie: I am not mad that the SNOO actually looked good in my bedroom. With its mid-century modern looks, the bassinet didn’t look out of place. In fact, it blended really well and elevated my decor. I love it when function and fashion meet.

Customer Service

I personally didn’t need to reach out to customer service, but the word on the street is that it’s stellar. When you buy the SNOO, you get access to 24/7, 7-days-a-week assistance. Parents rave about tips and advice they received from this service, ranging from how to best use the swaddle to getting replacement parts easily. It’s really a no-fuss inclusion. 

If you are planning to use the SNOO for more than one child, note that the warranty only lasts one year. Similarly, if you are planning on buying a used SNOO, know that you run the risk of it being out of warranty. 

Bottom Line

Most parents who use it agree: the SNOO is worth it. Yes, it’s expensive, but it promotes (more, better) safe sleep: not only does it deliver in the peace-of-mind category, it also very literally helps babies sleep better and longer by mimicking conditions in the womb. For me, those two things were enough to make me a better (read: well-rested) caregiver. Of course, the SNOO doesn’t work for everyone (no product does), and if you can’t fathom spending so much money on a baby product, renting it might be a better option for you. If not, consider a cheaper bassinet (there are other smart sleepers out there now), knowing you can buy Happiest Baby’s swaddles separately. 

The post The SNOO Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

When the pandemic started — especially at the beginning — the radio waves went silent. No one talked about (let alone gave their two cents on) screen time anymore, because what was there to say? What could we say? We need it? We have no other choice? Is it really that bad? 

But now, so many of the conversations we set aside have begun to echo back.  

We probably don’t need to tell you that “screen time” is a loaded issue. It tends to be charged with fear, a certain morality, and a certain self-righteousness. 

Well, we promise that’s not what this article is about. At all. The reality is that there is a little bit we know, a lot more (so much more) that we don’t, and then there is your family — and only you know your family and your situation. 

Instead of telling you what to do, we want to fill you in on some of the background (how “screen time” came to be a “thing”), some of the existing research, and some differing perspectives (both from experts and real parents alike) on screen time. IOW, it’s meant to be a primer for YOUR decision-making, rather than a how-to, per se.

Yes, full disclosure, we’ll eventually talk about ways to manage screen time, including minimizing it (at certain times and in certain situations, at least), but at the end of day those decisions are all up to you — because as we’ll see, not all screen time is equal, and screen time itself is not implicitly bad. Not at all. 

Let’s just go ahead and dive in, shall we?

A note: This is a long article, friends (there’s a lot to cover!) — and we think it’s worth the full read (obviously, hah) — but if you want to jump ahead to our notes about coming to terms with your own ideas about screen time; the tactical section (on thinking through your family’s use of screens; or our concluding thoughts, we still love you. [See below for the full table of contents.]

• The Evolution of Screen Time
• The Problem(s) With Studying Screen Time
• So, Should We Worry About Screen Time?
  • Devices & Attention
  • Screens & Sleep
  • Screens & Habits
• Deciding Whether or Not You Care (And How Much) — 4 Things Reflect On
• Thinking Through Screen Time — 9 Things to Consider
  • How to Pick Screen Media Content for Young Children
• The End (hah!)

The Evolution of Screen Time 

At the outset, “screen time” may seem like a very 21st century concern — and in some ways it is. But the reality is that older generations have harbored fears about the effects of new technologies on younger generations for like… all of history. To give a few high-profile examples: 

• Thousands of years ago, it was writing (yes): it impacts memory, after all. (Just ask Socrates.)

• In the middle ages, it was books, because: information overload, hello. And not everyone should have access to all that knowledge… (#knowledgeispower)

• In the 1700s, those newspapers… they’re getting too much news out there. People need to be reading their Bibles!

• In the 1800s — what in heavens’ name are they teaching those children in schools?!

• In the 1930s, it was the radio, and cartoons. (Oh my!)

• In the 1950s: television, duh. It’s overtaking radio time, how ridiculous. 

• Meet the 1960s/70s: rock music. It really has a bad influence. 

Shall I go on? I’m sure you could fill in the rest of the list (and then some): computers, video games, the internet, email, smartphones… 

My point is: throughout history, concerns about various new technologies have continued to carry *very similar themes and messages: X new technology is ruining youth; it’s negatively affecting human potential; it’s detracting from the “true” experience of childhood/adolescence/adulthood/being human. And there is generally quite a bit about “virtue” and “purity” wrapped up in there, either literally or written between the lines. (Often, there has been a religious component to these woes — as in, “X is the devil’s work” or “X is trouncing all over godliness” — but there’s also a broader purist element whereby people interpret a new technology as “defouling” in some sense — i.e., watching television taints the mind.) 

Screen time is (for now) the most recent iteration of this age-old discourse. 

Personally, I think this historical track record with regard to technophobia is incredibly helpful to keep in mind. 

Now, let’s hone in on “screen time” as a concern for a few moments… 

Technically, the first concerns about “screen time” focused on excessive television viewing — which ballooned especially in the 1980s (where are our millennials at?). In fact, in 1984 (the year before a landmark study on television viewing and obesity was released), The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its first statement about media use and consumption, based on mounting evidence that children were spending more time in front of the television (~25 hours/week) than they were in school. 

At that point, there were two predominant categories of concern: physical health (namely, sedentary lifestyle and the risk of obesity), and the potentially damaging effects of actual content (namely, violence/aggression, sex & drugs, etc.). 

In the 1990s, the AAP’s guidance on “television” mushroomed to “media use.” Up until 2011, the organization urged parents to watch television together with their children, to choose what they watched carefully, and to keep children under two away from television altogether if possible, with the rationale that watching TV had no discernible merits among young children.

Current guidelines for screen time and young children differ depending on which organization you ask: 

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has (sort of famously) remained very conservative on screen time. It advises that children 2-5 years old limit screen time to 1 hour daily, that children <2 only use video chatting, and that all children avoid screen time during meals and one hour before bedtime. 

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that babies (under 1) not be exposed to electronic screens at all, and that children 2-4 years old have no more than one hour of sedentary screen time daily. (Note the key word here: sedentary. We’ll talk about this important distinction in a bit.) 

• In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) both have no specific rules for screen time among babies and toddlers (due to a lack of evidence for this specific age group), but they recommend no more than 2 hours per day for all children (and NICE extends this recommendation to adults, too!). 

As we all continue contemplate what our ongoing transition toward “the end of the pandemic” looks like, the question of screen time has (re)surfaced for many of us. And in thinking about the last couple of decades, I think there are two major changes in our consumption of and relationship to screens/media that are worth noting: 

1. Screen media has proliferated — greatly. 

As we all know, screens have crept into every nook and cranny of our lives. They’re in public spaces like airports, restaurants, streets and stores; they’re lining the highways, slapped in waiting rooms, built into our cars, stashed in our bags and our kids’ backpacks, at our tables… they’re in our back pockets and on our wrists. 

They’re everywhere, and they’re here to stay. 

This ubiquity is a far cry from when many of us were growing up and the only screens of concern were the television or maybe a video game console (okay, and perhaps a shared old-school computer monitor for the whole family). Shoot, remember landlines? And answering machines?! Gawd, those were the days… Sigh. 

The concept of “screen time” has become increasingly impossible to quantify or define (more on this in a bit) — and that’s partly because of our widespread and increasing reliance on screens across every aspect of our lives. We use our devices to talk and text with family and friends, bank and pay bills, schedule and review doctor’s appointments, look up directions, check out restaurant menus and reviews, find recipes, play music, order groceries, order and listen to books, shop… the list goes on.   

2. Children are consuming screens at younger ages.  

In previous decades, children typically started watching TV around the age of 4 (pre-K time). Today, many children are interacting with screens before they turn 6 months. This is a big difference, and it means we parents are thinking about the “issue” much sooner. The introduction of virtual/remote school over the past two years exacerbated this effect even further, with school-aged children suddenly relying on digital devices and tools they never would have been expected to utilize for hours each day. 

Alright, so here we are — in the 2020s – with screens everywhere, all around us, and faced with the prospect of considering screen time for our kids earlier and earlier… 

Where are things? 

A caveat: there’s a whole ‘nother world of screen time “things to care about” for tweens and adolescents (social media, internet safety and security — gawd it’s going to be craaazy ), but for now, this article is mainly focused on the younger crowd.

The Problem(s) With Studying Screen Time 

Let me be very clear about something at the outset: there is no empirical causal proof that screen time in itself does any damage to children. Are you surprised? 

Huh. OK. (I was.) 

The literature on “screen time” and how it affects young, school-aged, and even older children and teens is — to put it lightly — wanting. Available evidence points to some things, and shows some clear and worrisome associations, but it does not demonstrate causation — at all. 

“The [screen time] literature is a wreck.”

~ Anthony Wagner, psychology chair at Stanford University

In fact, even the very best research into the effects of screen time is purely correlational, meaning that it only tells us there’s a link between screen time and X — it does not demonstrate that screen time causes X. In other words, even where we have data showing that screen time might have an impact, the best we can do is theorize about the causality. 

That’s not the only problem. Almost all studies on screen time rely on self-reports from participants (or, in the case of children, parent reports). These are bound to suffer from simple human error: people make mistakes in their reporting, under-report, over-report, or misrepresent something. It’s inevitable. Most of the major studies on screen time and kids were also conducted pre-Covid — and we all know that the pandemic instigated rapid and sweeping changes with how young children interact with devices and digital media. Shoot, our preschool had Zoom meetings back in the spring of 2020…  

Screen time research is also subject to population bias and confounding factors. Kids who watch more television, for example, tend to live in homes that earn less money and with parents who have fewer years of education. Yes, as many of us quickly realized during the first two years of the pandemic (as many of us had to work from home and take care of children while forgoing our usual childcare support), shepherding little children through a “screen free” existence is in fact an incredibly privileged thing to be able to do. It’s effing hard. 

Not only that, but virtually all of the screen time research relies on a single unit of measurement to evaluate outcomes: time. 

In reality, time spent on screens is not a very useful indicator. Indeed, where “hours spent” might have been telling when it applied to one single thing (e.g. television or video games), in today’s world, time really doesn’t tell us very much. 

For example, if a father reports that his child spent three hours on screens on Tuesday, who knows whether that meant FaceTiming with an aunt, watching Daniel Tiger, taking a class on Outschool, looking at nature videos online together with dad, tracing letters on an app, doing a children’s yoga sequence, or viewing pictures of a new cousin? 

And are any of those things “bad”? 

When it comes to thinking about screen time and children, the emerging consensus, as it were, is that time spent with a screen is far less important than what’s happening with the screen. 

“We should not assume that the amount of screen time is a singular factor in overall well-being.”

~ Janis Whitlock and Philipp K Masur, JAMA Pediatrics

Generally speaking, many of our fears about screen time’s deleterious effects are unproven (or just hypotheses). In the words of the experts: 

• Said a team of researchers who surveyed 20,000 parents of children ages 2-5 (2017): “Taken together, our findings suggest that there is little or no support for the theory that digital screen use, on its own, is bad for young children’s psychological wellbeing. If anything, our findings suggest the broader family context, how parents set rules about digital screen time, and if they’re actively engaged in exploring the digital world together, are more important than the raw screen time.” 

• A 2019 project that evaluated survey data from caregivers of some 35,000 kids in the United States found NO negative effects associated with viewing television (up to four hours per day) and/or engaging in digital-device-based activities (for up to five hours per day). The researchers concluded: “Very few children, if any, routinely use television and device-based screens enough, on average, to show significantly lower levels of psychological functioning… Instead these findings indicate that other aspects of digital engagements, including what is on screens and how caregivers moderate their use, are far more important.” 

• Editorial commentary on a meta-analysis of 30 survey studies published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019: studies “suggest that the association between screen time and different indicators of well-being and/or functioning is often inconsistent and, at best, small.”

All of this is (somewhat) reassuring, and yet our shared concerns about screens are not entirely groundless (right??). We’ve all seen children (our own and/or others’) who appear reliant on screens for entertainment, utterly infatuated with them, or lose control when they’re turned off. And many of us are self-conscious about our own use of screens. We know how greatly we depend upon them and feel how distracting they can be… and it’s not all that unreasonable to worry (or at least wonder) about the same for our children. 

Parents don’t need scientific research to tell them phones can be dangerous; they can deduce the ills from their own overuse.

~ Lauren Smiley, The Verge

So, Should We Worry? 

Probably not. But maybe a little. (Shrugs.) 

The way I see it, there are a few insinuations that stem from the research — and to which many of us can testify, based on personal experience — that are worth at least taking into consideration before you ask yourself the question that really matters, which is: how much do you (or can you) care? (We’ll work our way to this shortly…) 

1. Devices & Attention

Young children’s brains are developing like crazy — literally tripling in size during just the first two years. Neurological synapses (connections in the brain) multiply at an unparallelled rate early in life, going from about 2,500 at birth to more than 15,000 by about age 3. It’s truly astonishing.

Point being: this is a time when a lot is happening. Young children learn SO much about the world during these early years, and presumably they carry it with them. 

There are numerous studies indicating that screen time can impact that learning process. Specifically, screens may be interfering with the capacity for attentiveness — but the key caveat is that it’s really only certain types of programming that seem to have an effect.

The premise (and again this is researchers theorizing about the nature of their findings…) is that babies/toddlers who “watch” certain kinds of shows are actually being conditioned to expect a reality that does not exist. 

For example: one expert in the field looked at the Baby Einstein programs and hypothesized that because they are so discombobulating — rapid and unpredictable image changes, loud music, disorienting depictions — they might actually be conditioning children’s brains to expect completely absurd and inappropriate levels of stimulation during everyday life. (Seriously — if you haven’t ever seen the program, as I hadn’t, take a peek… it’s all over the place.) Researchers have observed these effects in young children and also in animals, which, when exposed to television, frequently act in erratic, risky ways. 

Scientists call this the overstimulation hypothesis, and it holds that prolonged exposure to rapid image changes during a critical period/window of brain development preconditions the mind to expect high levels of stimulation, which could lead to inattention later in life.

Comparatively, programs like Sesame Street, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, or Daniel Tiger are all carefully tailored to more closely mirror reality (or at least the pace of reality; I haven’t seen Big Bird on my block anytime of late… though you just might if you live in Brooklyn, hah!!) and present as much less disorienting than the “nonstop frenetic” kinds of shows produced by the entertainment industry, (and thus again, in theory are potentially less concerning). 

For what it’s worth — and this is just our personal opinion — we think that Sesame Street looks and feels different the last several years (and some have also noticed changes since it’s more recent move to HBO a few years back). Watching the older episodes, things moved pretty darn slow… but much of the newer content and segments appear frenzied and hectic (more unpredictable changes and random songs/units that don’t seem to fit). Check out this clip from 1985, for example, compared to this new segment added around ~2010 — and try to imagine watching from the perspective of a child who’s trying to learn how the world works. There’s a big difference, right?

My takeaway from this kind of research: content matters. (Which is just another way of reiterating that screen time is not equal…) 

Screen Time “Addiction” 

You may have heard/read/seen/talked about screen time as an “addiction.” It’s a catchy label, and I’d be lying if I said I thought there was nothing to it, but most experts take issue with this kind of classification. They note that words matter (I agree) and warn that talking about devices and digital media under the rubric of “addiction” conveys the wrong messages — namely that screens are fearsome and all-powerful — to young people.

This rhetoric, they say, contributes to a culture of anxiety and helplessness surrounding digital devices, which is highly problematic given that our children are going to grow up using screens. 

“I think one thing we have to get away from is the concept that screens are toxic… Screens are not inherently toxic. They’re neutral. It’s what we do with them that matters.”

~ Michael Rich, quoted in Mother Jones

As health professionals describe, this kind of discourse might actually be handing young children the exact language they need to remove themselves from any sort of engagement, decision-making, or responsibility regarding their own behaviors, consumption and budding identities as citizens of the digital age. IOW, if our kids hear us talking about screens as if they are inherently addictive, they may internalize the message that they have no control and/or stress about using screens (unnecessarily). 

As we’ll continue to see, screens themselves are not the problem…

BTW, kids don’t see what we see:

One thing to keep in mind as you think about what role you want screens to play in your family’s life and home is the simple fact that young children don’t see what we see with screens. For example, in the so-called “popcorn study” in the 1970s, researchers displayed a huge bowl of popcorn on a TV screen in front of 3-year-olds, then asked the kids what would happen if they picked up the TV set and tipped it over. 

The kids said the popcorn would fall out of the bowl. (In other similarly-hilarious anecdotes: one 4-year-old wrote Mr. Rogers a letter asking him how he got into his television set; a child watching Sesame Street announced that he knew Big Bird wasn’t real — it was just a costume… worn by a regular bird. You’re welcome.)

Though these examples may be dated (it would interesting to see if toddlers today still fall victim to these misunderstandings), they still demonstrate that babies and toddlers interpret screens differently from tangible interactions and experiences and that, in some cases, screens can contribute to confusion because they counteract lessons babies and toddlers learn in the real world. When I think about the first times my kids used Facetime, for example, they were so confused…

A related and further note regarding screens & attention — 

This isn’t a strict research finding, but it’s something that frequently crops up in different places (read: parents’ conversations, media pieces, and child psychology writings (see Aha! Parenting for one example)) and I personally believe it’s worth talking about — though I am well aware that not everyone will agree with me… 

For the most part, toddlers and young children learn best from real life and real people. And it’s important for them to learn to entertain themselves, to listen, to become engaged in the world around them, to pay attention to things, or to simply wait patiently for a few minutes — on their own. (Isn’t it?) The more we replace all of these moments with screens, the more our children are able to sidestep these lessons, and the more they learn to rely on digital technologies for stimulation and engagement. The concept is: if we expect our children to learn that they are responsible for entertaining themselves — in the real world with real toys and games and people and ideas — they can and will step up to the plate. If instead we placate them with digital media at the first sign of boredom or inconveniently timed misbehavior (especially if it’s in public…), they will learn to turn to these media as a coping strategy.

Broadly speaking, this concept^ relates to so many other aspects of parenthood — sleeping, feeding/eating, etc. — that all entail our teaching (and modeling for) our children the behavior we want to see in them. 

2. Screens & Sleep

This is probably the area in which we can find the most firm footing. Studies consistently show — across device platforms, activities, and age groups — that screen media use is associated with reduced sleep quality and quantity. 

I won’t belabor this point much, because the findings are so unwavering, but suffice it to say that the more time people spend on screens (babies and young children included), the worse they sleep. Exposure to screens is associated with more irregular sleep schedules, overall less sleep, and delayed onset of sleep (i.e., it takes longer to fall asleep). 

Based on the evidence, sleep just might be the most important reason to think twice about screen time (not just for little children — for everyone). Aside from the fact that I firmly believe “(more) sleep” ranks very highly on virtually every parent’s list of things-I-care-most-about, children are generally not getting enough sleep. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to (or even can) avoid screens altogether — there are some ways to live with screens while still mitigating these effects. We’ll get to those in a bit… 

3. Screens, Habits & Displacement of “Everything Else”

A lot of parenting young children is about teaching habits and setting precedents. As any parent of a toddler knows, the first time you agree to “just one more” (story at bedtime, say) is the beginning of always “one more.” 

Children are creatures of habit — they thrive when they have structure, routines and boundaries, because they love to know what to expect. We make decisions everyday that are shaping our children’s habits and expectations: every time we say “no” to their helping with a task, we are teaching them that their help is unwanted or unnecessary; every time we serve a snack or meal, we are teaching them about what foods/cuisine we value and how to eat; every time we insist they clean up their toys, we are teaching them that it’s their responsibility to clean up their things (and that mom is “so mean,” lol). 

The same premise holds true with screens. The parameters we establish with screens when our children are young carry forward. That’s not to say that everything is set in stone — of course not — but it’s easier to keep up with a preexisting pattern than it is to change it. (We’ll elaborate on this momentarily…)

A related concern is that screen time comes at the cost of something else — namely, displacing other important activities that benefit children: engaging with the real world, playing (outside), and physical activity. In fact, remember the WHO’s policy recommendations? They reflect exactly this belief — the organization’s advice to avoid screens from 0-2 and limit screen time to 1 hour daily is about limiting sedentary time more than device engagement. (It actually specifies “sedentary screen time,” and has similar “maximum limitations” for things like being buckled into a stroller or a car seat.) 

This is a reasonable and valid concern, but it’s far from a black-and-white issue. It’s not always a choice between screen time or some wonderfully stimulating alternative. As Emily Oster wrote on five-thirty-eight in 2015, “a lot of kids and families may not use [that time] in these ways. An hour of TV may be replaced by an hour of sitting around and doing nothing, whining about being bored, or worse, being yelled at by an overtired parent who is trying to get dinner ready on a tight time frame.” Here, here. 

Studies suggest that whatever theoretical negative effects screen time might exert on children’s attention/behavior, adding sources of non-screen cognitive stimulation — things like reading or singing, visiting a park or museum, playing with legos/clay/blocks, spending time outside, etc. — reduces them. Some even say that as long as you make time to read to your young child(ren), the amount of screen time they have may not matter at all.

Running with this idea, there has been a lot of judgment surrounding the notion of “using the screen as a babysitter,” but the reality is that sometimes that trade-off might be better for everyone. As a personal anecdote, whenever my kids are home for the day, I let them watch either Daniel Tiger or Sesame Street so I can exercise — and I am 100% a better parent for it. #noregrets. 

*And of course, it’s inaccurate & unfair to even frame this as a decision, because often, and for so many, it’s not. Perhaps the pandemic, more than anything else, demonstrated this to us. Parents who were expected to work full-time from home with no school or child care were thrust into an impossible position. Screen time limits went out the window with everything else. And honestly, I was struck by Kiera Butler’s recent observation in Mother Jones: even before the pandemic, she says, “there was something a little out of touch about the notion that all families could fill children’s evenings with enriching games of chess and readings of Little House on the Prairie.” 

Indeed, on the eve of 2020, expert advice was to avoid leaving young children alone with a screen (any screen) — but that seems straight-up ridiculous after the past two years. Anya Kamenetz, an NPR reporter and author of The Art of Screen Time, wrote a thoughtful piece in the NYT explaining that being home with her kids during the pandemic completely changed her line of thinking: “I want to take this moment to apologize,” she said, “to anyone who faced similar constraints before the pandemic and felt judged or shamed by my, or anyone’s implication that they weren’t good parents because they weren’t successfully enforcing a ‘healthy balance’ with screens, either for themselves or their children. That was a fat honking wad of privilege speaking.”

We’ll come back to this point^^ in the tactical section… 

So where does this leave us?? 

The AAP has gotten a lot of flak for its screen time guidelines. Experts (even among the organization’s own ranks) have harangued them as lacking in evidence, overly cautious, arbitrary, and unrealistic. 

And especially given that they are reliant on the precautionary principle, rather than data, we should question the AAP guidelines. Totally. We all live in this world, and our children can benefit from digital media.

“We can suspect that [screen time] may be bad, but we are still many years away from knowing, and we are nowhere near knowing what sort of exposure is safe or how much might be dangerous.”

~ Brian Resnick, Julia Belluz, & Eliza Barclay, Vox.com

And yet… 

Some of our suspicions are worth following — perhaps it’s not unreasonable to think that we may want to approach screens and digital media with a greater sense of purpose. 

Which brings us to our next segments: deciding whether and how much you care about your child’s relationship with screens, and some tactical tips, questions, and pieces of advice culled from… all over the place.  

Step One: Decide whether or not you care (and if so, how much)

Accounting for the facts that 1) screens are everywhere and 2) we don’t have any compelling evidence that they appreciably harm our children, you could very well ask yourself whether you should care about “managing screen time” at all.

Maybe you shouldn’t! 

Indeed, since the research is not condemnatory, I think this is a question we’d all benefit from asking ourselves. Honestly and with grace. 

In worrying about screen time, are you just creating another “thing” for yourself? Are you forcing yourself to care about it because your neighbor or your sister or your friend does? If your “care” is coming from a place of external judgment, maybe give it a second thought. You’d have plenty of evidence to support your decision. 

Or maybe you’re not in a position to even have the “option” of caring — as so many families are. 

Changing Communication

Much like technophobia has come in waves, each generation sets its own priorities when it comes to socializing and communication. Penmanship, handshakes, and “letter writing” used to be of paramount importance — now… not so much. These days, being able to craft a professional email, a text message, or an IG or Twitter post have *real value. They’re skills no one would have predicted would matter. 

Many of us worry that our children’s use of screens might somehow impede their ability to successfully participate and thrive in the world as adolescents and adults. But the flip side of this is that their generation is going to decide what kinds of communication and interactions to prioritize, and faculty with a screen is almost assuredly not going to harm them. (Look at how we’ve had to adjust to Zoom meetings, for instance, which have an entirely different character than in-person meetings.) 

Every form of communication is a cultural construct — there’s nothing innately valuable about being able to curve your script just so, send the perfect text to a colleague, or engage with an audience on social media. These have all become skills because we’ve decided at various points of time that they matter. 

Young people today are already socializing in completely different ways than we did — and we connected in totally different ways than our parents. Who knows what’s in store for our kids.

If you’re confused, you’re in good company — welcome to the club! For those who aren’t sure what to think, here is a big piece of advice from researchers:  

OBSERVE your child: Every child is different. Pay attention to how your child behaves during and after using screens: 

• How do they act when the screen is turned off? 
• How does using/watching a screen seem to make them feel? 
• What’s the general climate like surrounding screen use in your home? 
• Are screens causing problems in any areas of your child’s life/daily routine? 
• Have screens become all-consuming?

One expert explains that for most kids, screen time — even in copious amounts — is probably fine. But for a smaller group of more vulnerable kids, excessive screen time may be harmful. 

There’s no definite description of what makes any one kid “vulnerable” — it’s *totally subjective. On our team, we joke about how some of our own kids don’t care that much about the laptop/tablet/iPhone — for whatever reason, they simply aren’t as drawn in — while our other kids (?) are so glued to screens that they literally can’t look away. Seriously, the house could be up in flames, burning to the ground around them, and they’d just keep on watching. Yes, even siblings can react to screens so differently. 

It’s the same for adults, too… some people can “do” social media in a way that really serves them, but I know I have some friends who feel like the second they open the app, its like a rabbit hole they can’t climb up.

For me personally, there are a handful of compelling reasons to be mindful about screens in my home and with my children. Take them or leave them, but they are: 

1. My kids’ behavior

Though one of my children has the capacity to walk away from a screen (even mid-show) with no problems, the other tends to throw tantrums whenever a show/device is turned off. This can be extremely problematic given that shows on certain platforms never END… they simply transition from one episode to the next. I’ve noticed over time that the-world-is-ending-because-this-show-is-ending tantrums are entirely avoidable… if the screen is never turned on in the first place. 

2. My own biases/thoughts about screens.

Despite the fact that the evidence “shows no direct harm,” so to speak, my own (and my spouse’s) personal views are that we would prefer to minimize screen time in favor of “real life” activities. We aren’t on social media, we don’t have a television in our living room, and we generally endeavor to leave a more minimalist digital footprint. I’m not saying this is a superior approach, but it’s what we enjoy, what works for us, and what we want to pass on to our kids. Everyone has a different perspective on this — what’s yours? 

3. The evidence on screens and sleep.

In the words of Albus Dumbledore, it’s incontrovertible: screens negatively impact sleep. 

4. Setting habits, patterns, and expectations earlier is SO much easier. 

Allow me to elaborate on this last point for just a minute: when our children are young, we literally have total control over their exposure to screens. This is when it’s easy! It’s always less challenging to take a more conservative tack early on and then loosen up — but going the other way is *very difficult. (This is true of virtually everything, not just screens.) One expert described it like this: “the longer you keep Pandora’s box shut, the better off you are.”

When I was a kid, my parents instituted a “no TV on weekdays” rule (and back then it was only TV — imagine!). At the time, my three younger siblings and I all thought this heinous edict was part of some sort of evil plot. We complained to no end and gave it all the WHINE our collective tribe could muster in the hopes that our parents might change their minds. (They didn’t.) 

But you know what? After a while, we stopped complaining — and we never broke the rule. In fact, eventually the “rule” dissolved, and we didn’t really even know it existed. It just… was. Not watching TV during the week became a habit, and for the most part we kept it up even when we went off to college and started our own lives. 

My point is: if we can help our children learn to establish the habit of moderation with screens early in their lives, that’s a valuable thing that they can bring with them as they grow up – it’s a lifelong skill. As the National Childbirth Trust (in the UK) explains, “it’s becoming more clear that children establish their activity and screen time habits early on.” To the extent that it’s feasible for us to help model and teach healthy habits, it’s never going to get easier than when they’re young. (It’s all uphill from here? LOL.)

What I’m saying is… once you offer your 3-year-old a tablet… it can be very difficult to reel that back later on.

As Dr. Dimitri Christakis, an expert in the field and the director of the Seattle Children’s Research Institute’s Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development told a reporter for the NYT: “When managing screen time among children through age 6, you can win any battle.” (It may be a battle, but you can win.) 

If you take the time to think about this question — of “caring” about screen time — and decide that you really don’t, or can’t, then know that your child is fine. (Also, kudos for reading! If you stick with us, you might still find some of our user tips helpful.) 

If you decide that you do or might want to think about managing your family’s screen time, then stay tuned for this last segment, on strategies for thinking that through: 

Step Two: Thinking Through Screen Time

Consider Content Over Time

If you take one thing from this piece, please, please remember this:

Time is honestly such a facile way to think about screen use — it simply doesn’t capture what’s happening, or how your child is acting, or how they walk away. 

In the same way that we can use social media as a unifying and empowering source of community as well as an isolating or discouraging source of comparison/depression, a toddler or pre-K child can use a tablet in hundreds of different ways. Of course, everyone is going to have a different take on which kinds of uses are ideal and which are not, but there are some general points of consensus regarding ideal content for young children (see below).

“There are unprecedented opportunities for digital media to enhance learning, promote health, and strengthen families. At the same time, media use can be problematic, excessive, and harmful.”

~ JAMA Pediatrics

Of course, if you like time limits (or they work well for your family), you need not throw them out. One concept I think connects with folks is the message from Harvard scientists to “limit the dose.” 

How to Pick Digital Media Content for Children

Experts point to a few considerations as you think about the best digital engagement for your child: 

• SLOW, SLOW, SLOW

The best content for young children is the slowest — actually, the comically, painfully slower the programming, the better. 

Sadly, much of the content aimed at young children abides by the same rules of the attention economy as for adults: it does everything possible to hold children’s attention, which means loud noises, bright colors, fast-paced visuals, and lots of surprises. In short, all the bells and whistles. 

This is exactly the kind of content you want to avoid. Instead, ideal digital content for young children moves at a SLOW pace, is REPETITIVE, and leans toward PARTICIPATION  — meaning that it builds in time for children to respond/react or else incorporates back-and-forth interaction with viewers. 

For little children, “slower, quieter, less, is more.”

~ Alva Noe, @NPR

• Ask Yourself: Is your child benefiting from the content? 

This is a highly subjective question, but that’s the point! You know your child better than anyone, so you are best poised to think about whether she’s gaining something from any particular piece of digital content. 

Some items to consider in this regard: 

• Is the content passive or active? Generally speaking, active engagement tends to be more beneficial. 

“Active” content need not be physically active — it’s not synonymous with exercise. Anything that prompts a child to think, respond, or do is active content. And it really depends on your child’s engagement. I know I’ve put on yoga videos for my kids and they’ve been so over-stimulating that they have just sat there open-mouthed gaping at them (cough, Cosmic Kids Yoga) — which is so not the point. On the flip side, I’ve also put on things like Hamilton or The Nutcracker, which are not designed to be “actively consumed,” but my kids love dancing or singing along, so they sort of are… 

I think as adults we can recognize this distinction in our own use of devices — we all know that feeling when we’ve started the social media death scroll or the mindless surfing — and we know that those things feel very different from purposeful use of the same apps/programs. 

• Is the content a source of connection or isolation? 

Using screens in ways that foster human connection — however it “works” — is generally a good thing. 

• Does the content appear to be recharging for your child, or draining? 

This comes back to observing your child’s response to consuming screens… if the aftermath is a mess, that’s worth taking note. And if it’s just making your kids beg and whine for toys, then maybe it’s not the right show (ahem, looking at you, Ryan’s World). 

• Does the content assist your child with any faculties or new skills? 

• Is it helping them develop independence or autonomy?

• Does the content contain any violence? (Hint: it shouldn’t.) 

A note about YouTube: there’s a lot available on YouTube, but don’t forget to use the settings to manage things for your kids. You can switch Autoplay to “off,” so that one thing doesn’t become seven, and also utilize the parental controls to limit what pops up, because otherwise totally inappropriate content may arise without warning. 

• Think About It: What is the aim behind the content’s development? (Why was it produced?)

Simply considering the purpose behind the content’s creation can be incredibly telling. Was it produced for the purpose of entertaining children? Educating them? Making money? Keeping kids at the app? An easy rule of thumb is to be more wary of programs and content that stem from the entertainment industry or that were created with the express purpose of making money (again, Ryan’s World, cough). 

Unfortunately, even content that markets itself as age-appropriate and/or educational is often actually “all wrong” in terms of suitability for young children.

We already mentioned the example of Baby Einstein videos, which feature numerous random scene changes and are actually quite discombobulating. In fact, much of the content we may think of as “safe” contains problematic depictions. Pay attention to how much violence crops up even in Disney films, for example (someone tallied this: EVERY animated film produced in the US from 1937-1999 contained violence). Besides the frank “hero-villain” violence that transpires in most every film, there’s also a lot of “silly” violence that can be incredibly confusing for little children — someone bopping a friend on the head, or tripping someone, for example. Not to mention all the potentially distressing content in films like The Lion King, Bambi, or even Toy Story. (Yes, “the Disney question” opens up a whole can of worms…) 

We love our friend’s wonderful resource Common Sense Media — it’s a database for families that ranks media materials based on age-appropriateness, and it includes expert ratings and descriptions as well as parent reviews and testimonies. It covers all kinds of media, ranging from movies, shows, and games to books.

If you compare entertainment programs [insert Saturday-morning cartoon show here] to educational programs such as Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, it’s easy to see the differences in pacing and intent. 

Take a peel at the first several minutes of this episode (or any episode, really, hah!) of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and compare it to just the theme song/intro from Puppy Dog Pals or something like SpongeBob SquarePants, and you can begin to see and feel the differences. (This is also a great article that dives into some of the program development and effects.)

“When you look at the research, the screen matters less than what you do with it.”

~ Emily Oster @538.com

Does it need to be on? 

Much of the research into screen time distinguishes between “foreground” and “background” media — and contends that background media (aka, the TV is on but no one is “actively watching”) can be detrimental. Specifically, pediatricians worry that background television may impact parent-child relationships and also be incredibly distracting. 

The logical follow-up here is to simply consider whether you/your child are actively using/watching a screen — if not, perhaps consider turning it off. 

What is it displacing? What would your child/you be doing instead? 

This is a question we all need to approach with a sense of kindness — and honesty. Generally speaking, researchers and health professionals stress that “too much” screen time (however you define it) is more problematic for what it displaces than the screen time itself. (Recall that this is the basis of the WHO’s policy, which stresses that screen time be limited specifically for being sedentary, and for disrupting sleep.) 

If using a screen is detracting from your child’s play time, outdoor time, reading/music/art/whatever time, or time otherwise spent with you, family, or friends, perhaps it’s worth reconsidering. 

And yet, even if we all collectively decided to agree that an hour spent playing or reading would be better than an hour of screen time, this is REAL LIFE, people. Sometimes, that hour is not “better spent” — and sometimes, everyone benefits from “using the screen as a babysitter.” (And again, refer back to your answers to the question of “how/is my child benefitting?” Maybe that iPad painting program with the animals is indeed time “better spent” than complaining about when snack time is.)

This question is something to think about, but don’t put pressure on yourself — we can’t do it all, all the time, parents… 

Can you engage, too? 

According to the AAP, the “chief factor that facilitates toddlers’ learning from commercial media (starting around 15 months of age) is parents watching with them and reteaching the content.”

Thus, one way to ensure screen time is “okay” is simply to watch/play/listen with your child — and if you can, that’s great! 

If you’re doing something with your kid on/with a screen, don’t worry about the screen. The fact that you’re doing something together is great.

But co-viewing is not the only way — alternatively, we can (to a certain extent) reap similar benefits just by asking our kids about what they did/watched/saw/learned. The mere process of repeating what they did and explaining it to you helps them process the activity/show and also brings you into a place of communication about it. 

Since realistically, most of us aren’t regularly engaging with our kids when they are using screens , this is a great workaround. 

Build in Time for Non-Screen Things

An alternative approach to setting time limits for screens is to create mandatory time periods for non-screen things — IOW, instead of cutting out screen time, try setting aside certain times during which screens can’t be used. Since some of the valid concerns about screen time stem from what screens are displacing (namely, the “real world”… and oh boy could we go down a philosophical rabbit hole on this one…) — this strategy makes so much sense to me. 

Pro-Tip: Keep a running list of non-screen activities somewhere in your home so that your family always has some ideas to draw from. If your children are old enough, invite them to contribute suggestions!

Another option? Decide on screen-free “zones” or rooms in your home — bedrooms are an obvious choice here, but you might also decide that the play room, dining room, or living room are wonderful places to keep screen free. (If your child is of the age where they’re assigned homework, that’s another time/arena to keep free of any screens that aren’t needed to complete their work.) 

**The best research, health care providers, and scientists all agree that avoiding screen time during meals and one hour before bedtime is best practice, because screens can interfere with a child’s learning to eat and their sleep quality and duration. 

Use The Nudge Factor

Social psychologists have demonstrated that very simple adjustments can play a huge role in decision-making and habit formation. By making certain undesirable behaviors less convenient (i.e., having to make a separate trip to the store to buy the ice cream you want to eat; not saving your credit card on your computer so you have to type in the number every time you make a purchase) or by making desirable behaviors more convenient (i.e., preparing your nutritious lunch the night before; enroll in automatic payroll deductions to save for retirement), you can drastically influence behavior. (This is a fascinating psychological premise — you can read more about it in Nudge, if you’re interested.)

There are SO many ways to use the nudge factor to impact your family’s screen media use: 

• Hide the television remote
• Keep tablets out of reach from children
• Keep devices/screens unplugged/turned off when not in use
• Keep your phone/device in an inconvenient location so that you aren’t constantly checking it
• Turn off notifications
• Utilize parental controls to limit inappropriate content or create time designations when certain features are disabled
• Download the Lockwork app for Android devices

Share the Plan

If you decide on certain content/timing limitations surrounding screens, share your plan with your family. In part, this is helpful for YOU, because simply articulating your framework helps to solidify it. If you’re the type who likes a written game plan, go for it. But it need not be that formal. 

If you have older children — or children who are used to a certain amount of screen “freedom” that may be changing — it’s a great idea to explain things to them as well. With little kids, you may not even need to tell them anything at all — it will just… be. This is another major benefit of starting early!

Know When To Cheat

Every parent knows that there are certain times when enforcing screen time restrictions is 100% not necessary. The classic example here is “all things travel,” but there are so many other times when it might just make sense for you to be okay with loosening the reins. I have friends who relax their normal screen time rules on vacation, or whenever doing so helps them achieve some much-needed alone time or time with their partner or another child. 

During “unusual circumstances” — a move, a sick child, a new baby, or a pandemic — letting go may be downright essential. Perhaps you need to meet a deadline, or it’s been a crazy day and having thirty minutes to exercise/shower/meditate/breathe would make the evening more enjoyable for everyone. Perhaps you need to make dinner, or talk to your sister about her new promotion, or whatever. 

One thing I think we all learned from the pandemic is that we can’t beat ourselves up over these moments — the tradeoff is not always “family bliss” vs. the screen. 

Virtually all experts agree that we can think of video chatting/FaceTime as an “exemption” from screen time altogether — studies show that these technologies can benefit kids greatly for their ability to connect them to parents and other relatives.

Be Mindful of YOUR Use

The unwelcome “advice” that no one wants to hear is that part of managing our children’s screen time is also managing (minimizing?) our own. 

“If we can recognize our own hang-ups about screens, says child psychologist Michael Rich, who runs the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, we’ll be in a much better position to help children navigate their digital lives.”

I was slightly terrorized to read Erika Christakis’s jarring sermon in The Atlantic because it hit a little too close to home for me. She’s not big on screen time for kids — “time spent on devices is time not spent actively exploring the world and relating to other human beings,” she says — but what struck me most about her piece was just how uncomfortable it made me feel. 

In her scathing critique, Christakis calls out the distracted culture of parenting today: “for all the talk about children’s screen time,” she says, “surprisingly little attention is paid to screen use by parents themselves.” And (we) parents, apparently, are suffering from a plague of what technology expert Linda Stone coined “continuous partial attention”: a particular brand of inattention “that occurs when a parent is with a child but communicating through his or her nonengagement that the child is less valuable than the email.”

As Christakis writes, studies consistently show that parents are on their phones while they’re also with their kids — and our kids take notice. Imagine what your toddler thinks it means to be engaged in a conversation when she sees adults constantly checking their devices while talking to her. It’s a problem of chronic inattention/distraction. (Psychologists have a formal name for such interruptions — it’s called “technoference.”)

Put another way, our own device use frequently results in dividing our parenting attention. “We seem to have stumbled into the worst model of parenting imaginable,” Christakis writes: “always present physically, thereby blocking children’s autonomy, yet only fitfully present emotionally.” Yikes. [See also: Why (and How) to Be a Just Good Enough Parent]

Our use of devices also can cause us to miss or misinterpret emotional cues or otherwise overreact. I for one know that when I’m trying to multi-task and get something done while my kids are eating breakfast, say, I’m WAY more prone to become irritated or snappy when they need something from me — even if it’s something totally reasonable (or cute). 

^The way I take it, Christakis’s point isn’t that you need to be with your kid all the time — and actually this would be beneficial for no one — but rather that when you are with your kid, but not fully (because you are also on a device), they see that.

Limiting our own use of screens is hard, not just for the pull screens have on our attention. We can now do lots of “good,” productive things on our devices — things that used to be discrete, separate activities, like book travel, bank, find a plumber, order food, read a book, heck, write a book. For all these reasons and more — including the fact that for many of us, our work demands the use of screens — it’s SO challenging to step away. And honestly, because of everything we can do on our screens, it’s not necessarily as simple as “stepping away” anymore. 

But there’s also something incredibly refreshing when you can unplug.

Now, the fact that screens divide our attention makes me terribly uncomfortable (precisely because I fall victim to this on the regular) — yet at the same time I think it’s worth noting that screens are hardly the first thing to distract parents from their children. Before there were screens, there were other distractions. (And even without screens, there are still other distractions. I can’t tell you how many times I’m also folding laundry/emptying the dishwasher/packing a lunch/wiping up counters when I’m supposedly feeding my kids breakfast…) The point: it’s not the screen that is the problem, per se, it’s the (constant) interruptions it causes. 

Not to mention: we’re sending a confusing message, aren’t we, if we tow a hard line with our kids but not with ourselves. I cringe thinking about how many times I’ve told my kids “no, you can’t do that” about a screen, while I’ve literally been checking something on my phone. It makes me feel… icky. 

Which brings us back full circle: we are role models for our children all the time, whether we like it or not. We know we should (air quotes, please) model desirable behavior to help them learn about table manners, gratefulness, sharing, compromising, etc. — screen use is no different. 

“When children have their own digital devices, parents need to teach them the proper times and places to use them… Parents seem far more likely to complain about their kids’ inappropriate use of gadgets than they are to teach them better behaviors. Why? Because grown-ups feel helpless when confronted with digital devices. But the truth is, if your kids don’t know when to stop, it’s your fault. You haven’t made the etiquette of a connected world clear to them.”

~ tough love from Jordan Shapiro, author of The New Childhood: Raising Kids to Thrive in a Connected World

Perhaps, at the end of the day, our focus on “screen time for kids” is entirely misplaced — “it’s easier to focus our anxieties on our children’s screen time than to pack up our own devices,” isn’t it?

Conclusion

Fellow parents, let me posit something: we don’t have to take sides in any specific “screen time debate.” Instead, it’s possible to see the value in digital tools while also believing that responsible use “exists” — not unlike environmentalism, or dietary decisions. 

Young children are using screens — and expected to, at that — earlier and earlier and more and more often. Both in ways that serve them and in some ways that maybe don’t. If we don’t show them how to use screens in responsible, moderate ways that support them and their health, as mentors, who else will? 

We know that there is little direct evidence in support of the idea that screens are directly harming our children’s development, but we also know from personal experience the ways in which screens can be problematic (for ourselves and our children). It’s up to us to decide what kind of example we want to set, and there’s no one right answer. I’m not on social media — and I love staying away from it — but for others it’s an incredible source of community, fun, and support. Neither choice is right or wrong. It’s just what serves us. 

Some parents may decide that taking a more conservative tack when it comes to screen time is best for their families — and some may be more liberal. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and if the pandemic didn’t teach us that things can change on a dime, then I don’t know what else can. 

Regardless of your particular approach, evidence suggests that it’s worth (re)considering your children’s content, because what children are doing or what they are watching on a screen is more important than the time they spend doing it — and keeping screens as far away from sleep times and spaces as possible, because screens have a decidedly deleterious effect on sleep. If you’re using a screen with your child, it’s bringing you together — and that’s a good thing. 

The post Reconsidering Screen Time: Research, Reason, & Real Life appeared first on Lucie's List.

That sleep has made its way into the wellness revolution (is that a thing?) is GREAT. It’s about damn time we stop heroizing those who eschew sleep and stop disparaging those who prioritize it. Sleep IS important, and we should indeed recognize that. Just as sleep deserves our attention (both at the individual and collective level), so do we deserve it.

Not surprisingly, though, it’s not as easy as all that. Not everyone has easy access to sleep, for starters. Sometimes the job gets in the way — besides parents (and single parents — ya’ll are HEROES in my mind… ), there’s also shift workers, night workers, and certain professions (cough — medicine) that seem to treat sleep like it’s an optional luxury. Many Americans contend with frank sleep disorders. And many don’t, but still struggle to sleep. Screens keep us up. Life keeps us up. Life wakes us up… then keeps us up some more.

The interesting thing is, as awesome as it is that our society is starting to pay homage to sleep, in doing so we may be inadvertently teeing ourselves up for even greater disappointment/frustration. History and anthropology teach us that our current model of sleep (consolidated, overnight, in separate rooms in a house, etc.) is largely a product of the Industrial Revolution. Evolutionarily, our bodies weren’t necessarily primed for the sort of heavenly sleep we see all over the interweb.

I’m sure many of you know the feeling: stress that you’re not sleeping well/falling asleep/falling back asleep keeps you from sleeping.

The truth is, there’s no historical norm for healthy sleep. Everyone’s different; and it’s entirely conceivable that our current ideals — which some say are “a myth” — simply don’t align with reality.

But… sleeping is so nice! I want it!!

And while there’s a lot of *junk out there that preys on our collective desperation to achieve sleep, there are also some truly wonderful things that really do make the experience of sleeping — however awesome or crappy it is for you — more enjoyable, relaxing, and comfortable.

Here are all the things we love for sleeping — with no strings attached and no pressure to perform. Everything here is screen-free, low-tech, and low-stress. Sweet dreams, friends!

Heads-up: this one is for YOU, parents. If you’re looking for sleep gear for your babe, head over to the sleep registry guide to see what’s what… because whatever helps your kiddos sleep by definition also helps you sleep. #getwhatyouneed

Our Favorite Bedtime Essentials

Sleep Mask ~$15

This affordable silk sleep mask has been SUCH a life-saver for me — it blocks out everything and feels so nice and soothing.

Sound Machine ~$47

WHITE NOISE, ya’ll. I’m so addicted, and I don’t even care. Personally, I love the LectroFan because it has adjustable volume and is so darn portable, but there are numerous options that work well.

Muse Apothecary Pillow & Fabric Spray ~$9

Spray your pillow and sheets with this heavenly blend of calming lavender and eucalyptus before you go to bed.

Blackout Shades ~$74+

Can’t live without my blackout blinds… and we’ve installed them in each of our kids’ rooms, too, because no parent deserves to be woken earlier than 6 a.m. [See also: Our favorite OK to wake clocks]

Luna Weighted Blanket ~$varies

I’m obsessed with my weighted blanket — the pressure really helps me fall asleep, and it’s become a soothing sleep signal for me. My husband calls it The Iron Curtain . (*I run hot at night, and I love that Luna blankets also come in bamboo, which is cooling.)

Weighted Blankets for Kids and Babies:

Dream Weighted Blanket for Kids & Toddlers ~$99

For kids and toddlers 30+ lbs. — this 4-lb weighted blanket features dual fabrics, cozy micro-fleece on one side, and Minky cooling material on the other. It’s anxiety-reducing and calming for daytime use, too.

Dream Weighted Sleep Swaddle ~$89

A snuggly, lightly-weighted swaddle for babies 0-6 months. Dreamland’s patented CoverCalm Technology is designed to evenly distribute weight over baby’s body. The gentle pressure basically exacerbates the pre-existing benefits of a swaddle, naturally reducing stress and increasing relaxation. It can be worn with both arms in, one arm in, or both arms out.

Bedside Reading Light ~$40

This flexible, dimmable reading light can sit on any ledge — it’s perfect for a heavy headboard or a low-profile nightstand. My spouse and I each have one on our respective sides of the bed so we can read without having to have a brighter light on (or wake each other up).

Sleepytime Tea ~$varies

I’ve tried all kinds of nighttime tea blends and I always come back to this delicious classic. (The spin-offs are also pretty darn good, too — especially the Sleepytime Detox blend.) *Note that most groceries carry this, and it’s way cheaper at the store than online.

COOP The Original Pillow ~$72

The ONLY pillow I don’t hate… and actually really love, hah. I am exceptionally picky when it comes to pillows — I like support, but it can’t be too firm (because then I wake with neck kinks and migraines). You can adjust the fill on this pillow to make it the exact firmness you need. It’s been 6 months now — the longest relationship I’ve had with any pillow. We’re clearly meant to be!

A Silk Pillowcase ~$59

A full silk sheet set is a bit too much of a splurge for me, but I can handle this price tag — Brooklinen’s economical silk pillowcases are buttery soft and really deliver the feel of luxury. Plus, dermatologists say they’re better for skin hydration. (But really, who needs an excuse?)

A Nightstand Journal

I always keep a notebook bedside — like many, ideas often come to me in the middle of the night, and no matter how sure I am I will definitely remember THE BEST IDEA EVER in the morning, I forget without fail if I don’t write it down. Similarly, if my mind is racing with a to-do list, quickly jotting it down is so freeing. Some also find journaling at night to be incredibly relaxing and reflective. It need not be anything fancy (I’ve used $1.99 composition books), but if you want it to look pretty, Moleskine is a classic choice.

Sleep Meditation with the Peloton App

Peloton has a whole collection of meditation sessions that focus on relaxation and sleep. These have really helped my mind slow down before hitting the hay — both to fall asleep faster and stay asleep. I wake up feeling more rested… and yes, I do it laying down… and yes, I often fall asleep before the session’s over.

A Screen-free Alarm Clock

One of my biggest sleep disruptions (aside from my own anxious-prone mind) is my phone. I needed it OUT of my room, which meant I needed to find an alarm alternative. I like this one because it’s digital with an LED screen that turns off at night. It’s easy on the eyes, and you can set up to three alarms (perfect for a snoozer like me). Since kicking my phone (or any kind of screen) out, my sleep has been much more restorative and consistent.

Lavender-Vanilla Hand Lotion ~$15

All the classic calm-inducing smells bottled into a luxurious, creamy lotion that literally wafts relaxation — great to use on your feet, too.

Nice Pajamas

I used to think spending money on pajamas was silly (hellO that’s what old T-shirts are for, right?) — until I received some nice PJs as a gift and was rightfully put in my place. There are tons of great options (we have some ideas here and here), but the Cool Nights set from Soma is just lovely.

A Humidifier

I always feel like it’s a project to set-up our humidifier in the bedroom, but it’s really not… and every time I do I am SO happy. My body is so happy. (This Levoit humidifier, ~$89, is my favorite because it’s got a sizable tank capacity — it’s great for people like me who are too lazy to refill daily…) These suckers are most helpful in the dry winter months, but wonderful to use year round all the same. (We rounded up our favorite kid-friendly humidifiers here.)

A Good Book Stack

Last but not least, having a couple of books on my nightstand always makes me so happy (like, almost ridiculously so, hah). I love reading before bed — and I *love reading in bed when I wake up on the weekends. Here are some recent-ish suggestions.

Sleep Media & Resources

The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep, by Harvey Karp

A godsend of a book for any new parent…

The Promise of Sleep, by William Dement

The sleep Bible written by the founder of sleep medicine, this is a timeless classic for anyone looking to learn about sleep and/or improve sleep hygiene.

Calm

If you want some structure for incorporating meditation into your bedtime rhythm, Calm has built a large and loyal following. Especially nice if you prefer Harry Styles (and other celebs) lulling you to sleep.

Sleep With Me Podcast

A bedtime story-telling podcast that The New Yorker hailed as “ingeniously boring,” there are thousands who swear that these soft meandering narrative put them right to sleep.

That’s it, friends! We hope you find something here to make your night’s sleep more peaceful, relaxing and restful. Share your favorite bedtime essentials in the comments below!

Zzzzz!

The post Our Favorite Stuff for Sleeping appeared first on Lucie's List.

With that in mind, you don’t always need to read these books cover to cover. Look at the introduction and those chapters that speak to you, and thereafter, think of them more like reference texts. 

Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep: Simple Solutions for Kids from Birth to 5 Years, Harvey Karp

This book was something like the Bible to me when I was a new parent — Harvey Karp’s five S’s for sleep are universally loved by parents everywhere, and even though this book’s focus is technically sleep (also true for most new parents), it gives a pretty full picture of Karp’s overall take on calming strategies and the like for babies. Plus, it will carry you well through the toddler years.

If you prefer a more “big picture” account (albeit specific to babies alone), you can check out Karp’s more general Happiest Baby on the Block. (Or you can watch the video if you don’t feel like reading at all, hah!)

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with your Baby, Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau

Many parents swear by this book — it’s a handy reference text with solid advice from sleep experts. My favorite part: deciding whether my baby fell into the category of Angel, Textbook, Touchy, Spirited, or Grumpy. Because who doesn’t love a good quiz?! (No, not you? I guess you didn’t grow up in the 90s, then…) 

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool, Emily Oster

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of everything Emily Oster has a hand in. This book, the logical extension to her book on pregnancy, Expecting Better, is easy to follow and SO helpful. With a clear outline and a no-nonsense breakdown of data on topics ranging from infant feeding and sleeping to child care, starting solids and various other milestones of the toddler years, this is a fantastic text to have around, especially if you are the type to wonder: what does the evidence say?

If you’re the sciency-type, you might also like The Informed Parent and The Science of Mom, which have a relatively similar tack to Crib Sheet. (The Science of Mom is somewhat more academic-y, if that’s up your alley.)

On Becoming Babywise: Giving Your Infant the Gift of Nighttime Sleep, Robert Bucknam and Gary Ezzo

Written by a physician and a sleep expert, this is another long-time favorite in the infancy books department. Melissa says she used this book as a framework for her kids when they were babies, picking and choosing what worked best for each one. (BTW, even though the title implies this book’s sole focus is on sleep, it implicitly addresses things like daytime schedules, feeding, and the like as well.) 

The Wonder Weeks: A Stress-Free Guide to Your Baby’s Behavior, Xaviera Plooij, Frans X. Plooij and Hetty van de Rijt

This book (written by a couple and their daughter!) is a recent addition to the market and we’ve had many readers reach out to suggest it. Its main strength: describing “normal” behavior and development at various stages (the authors call them “leaps,” though, omg ) — which can give insight into effective parenting (but doesn’t necessarily spell out “do this WTR feeding, naptime, etc. etc.” like some others do). (Also pairs with a handy app some folks seem to like pretty well.)

If you must… What to Expect the First Year, Heidi Murkoff

I am not a huge fan of the WTE books, but if you’re the type who doesn’t like “too much information,” this could be nice to have around. Like What to Expect When You’re Expecting, the First Year edition is more of a top-line summary than anything else — with the characteristic WTE fake-cheery spin. 

On Breastfeeding

Nowadays, there’s a ton of amazing and highly practical information about breastfeeding available online — so don’t forget about those resources. 

In print^^, there’s always the The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, the classic bestseller put out by La Leche League (very informative). We also love our friend Heather’s suggestion, Lactivate: A User’s Guide to Breastfeeding, by Jill Krause and Chrisie Rosenthal. It’s funny, helpful, approachable, and honest.

Hope you pick up something from these! Otherwise it’s this:

HAH. Anyway, let us know if there’s a book you think should be here!

The post Best Parenting Books for Babies appeared first on Lucie's List.

*Note: HALO innovations has just launched a new version of its Bassinest, the BassiNest 3.0 — ultimately, this model will replace the baseline Halo Essentia Bassinest. The bassinest swivel sleeper 3.0 (~$219) is 30% lighter than the previous model and specifically designed to be more practical and portable, with a removable bassinet you can use as a lounger around the house (no extra parts/pieces required).

In the meantime, the Essentia is still available on Amazon, so we’re leaving this info up. And since the 3.0 is *brand-spanking new, we’ll be updating the page as we get more intel and experience with the new iteration. Thanks!

Planning on having your infant sleep in your room for a while? The Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper is one of the centerpiece products from HALO, a company that believes safe sleep and innovation don’t have to be mutually exclusive. This has been one of our favorite bedside bassinet options for newborn sleep during the “fourth trimester” for a while now. We especially love that it allows for “almost bed-sharing.”

If you’re willing and able to spend this kind of money ($199+) on an item that only lasts 4 or 5 months, it’s well worth investing in quality (and safety) of sleep for you and your baby. Trust us — moms are crazy for this thing. 

Halo Bassinest Basics

The Bassinest was the first co-sleeping product to make it feel like the baby’s in your bed, but without actually bed-sharing. It’s really the best of both worlds.

When setting it up, you adjust the height to fit just over the top of your bed (below), and the 360 degree swivel arm allows the bassinet to encroach into your bed space — all while maintaining baby’s safe sleep area.

The swivel arm also makes it really easy to push away so you can easily get in and out of your bed. Other co-sleeping products, like the original Arm’s Reach co-sleepers, are fixed to your bed and require mom to scoot down to the end of the bed to get out, something that’s rather inconvenient (if not downright painful) when you’re recovering from delivery.

Please note: A number of readers and reviewers have expressed safety concerns about the new version of the HALO, for being slightly tilted when it’s swiveled all the way out. Here’s what HALO says about this:

“Because [the Bassinest] swivels 360° and rotates, there is sometimes a slight tilt. Some people interpret this tilt as problematic, but it is well within the standards of accepted angles for these types of products. In addition, the front sidewall that lowers is slightly shorter than the back sidewall, which can create the perception of additional tilt. Rest assured that the BassiNest Swivel Sleeper meets all applicable CPSC, ASTM and Health Canada requirements for the U.S. and Canada.  It carries the JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certification seal. The BassiNest has met and exceeded all regulatory testing, and we actually submit to additional testing beyond what is required for Bassinets and co-sleepers… To minimize the perception of tilt, you can try moving the BassiNest to its lowest height setting and placing the sleep surface in the non-swiveled out position. This will help to minimize slight tilt. Again, while the BassiNest is still completely safe in the highest position and when swiveled out, perception of tilt may be greater since there is naturally more of an angle.”

Another nice perk for the postpartum period: the side railing pushes down easily, which enables you to pickup your little one for middle-of-the-night feeds without having to stand up. Can we get a hell yess!!!? This may seem like a minor thing, but it makes such a huge difference in the middle of the night.

The mesh wall sides all around allow you to easily see your baby as well, which is always reassuring. Plus, it makes this bassinet extra breathable, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. 

Remember to keep babies’ sleep surfaces completely clear and free of blankets. HALO was actually founded by a father who lost his baby to SIDS, and the company’s first product was their quintessential Halo safe sleep sack. We cover the HALO SafeSleep Wearable Blanket, and others like it, in our Wearable Blanket Smackdown.

The Bassinest may look top-heavy, but its X-shaped base is actually VERY sturdy and heavy — like, that thing is not going anywhere. In fact, some parents complain that it is too heavy.

The weight is purposeful because the Bassinest isn’t meant to be portable. It’s intended to be — and stay — at the bedside. In short, there’s no moving this sucker around the house willy-nilly like with a more portable bassinet, such as the Fisher Price Portable Bassinet.

If you’re really excited about the HALO but also want something with more portability, you could consider also purchasing the HALO Bassinest stand ($49), which enables you to simply move the top part (the bassinet) around much more easily. 

Moms who are dedicated to the Halo brand are loving the stand option for travel or for just easy use around the house.

The Bassinest swivel sleeper comes in various versions: 

• The Halo BassiNest Glide Sleeper ($169) is a (somewhat) more affordable option, but without the swivel feature. The bassinet is the same as the classic hourglass model, but the stand glides across the floor (yes, that includes carpets) so you can push the whole apparatus away from the bed and pull it back towards your bed quickly and easily (using the little handle at the base of the bassinet). If you’re looking for a great, safe, practical bedside co-sleeper and don’t specifically need or want the swivel feature, this is a wonderful option.
  

• The “Essentia” version ($199) is the entry model Bassinest (with swivel arm).
• The “Premiere” version ($289) comes with a control panel that includes a night light, sounds/music, a nursing timer, and vibration. IMO, the vibration option is a nice last resort for a fussy baby (and perhaps, a much cheaper option than the SNOO co-sleeper), but the other features are really not all that impressive. I used this model and the nursing timer was too quiet to ever wake me up, for example. Plus, it runs on three AA batteries, which is somewhat unfortunate… the vibration setting chews through batteries, so stock up! Too bad it doesn’t have a plug.
• The “Luxe” version ($349) comes with all the Premiere features as well as a floor light and an extra setting on the nightlight and vibration components. Most users do not think the upgrade is worth the price. The floor lighting is dim, and frankly, many moms don’t find the features all that impressive to begin with. And even if you did, again: the batteries. Buy in bulk.
• There’s also a twin sleeper, if you’re expecting multiples.

You may also want to purchase extra sheets for the “signature” HALO hourglass mattress pad.

Bottom line: In the world of bassinets, the HALO Bassinest is somewhat on the expensive side — not a good thing for an item that is short lived. But it’s a safe, convenient place for baby to sleep for the first 4 months (or until he can roll over/sit up), and, as far as baby gear goes, it’s an attractive piece. Moms really, really love it, and I loved it too. I especially loved having my baby very close to me. If that’s important to you, we say: Bassinest, FTW!

See it in action! (seriously, the video does a really nice job demonstrating the HALO features).

The post HALO Bassinest Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

Friends, if you have a Pack ‘n Play, you can get by in life. 

In other words, if you only bought a Pack ‘n Play, it would fit the bill for so many categories: a bedside bassinet, a crib, a travel crib, somewhere safe to put baby down while you fold the laundry/shower/eat an apple/sit on your porch/carry in your groceries/work/workout… everything we affectionately call “GSD” (getting stuff done). It will last you well into toddlerhood, guaranteed. So if you’re working with a tight budget, limited space or simply don’t want to overbuy unnecessary baby stuff, get one of these and call it a wrap.

Seriously, it’s just that useful.

At home, you can move the Pack ‘n Play around your house fairly easily, and it assembles and disassembles in about 30 seconds. When taken down, it folds into a nice, portable, rectangular package you can take anywhere. They’re all pretty heavy and clunky (~25-35 pounds), though, just FYI. 

Despite its weight, by far and away, the PNP is the most useful baby item we have bought to date (and no, Graco doesn’t pay me to say this stuff).

Heads up: Graco makes a zillion different versions of the PNP with different trim, levels and features, but don’t get overwhelmed. At the end of the day, a Pack ‘n Play is a Pack ‘n Play is a Pack ‘n Play. 

There are basically three main options worth considering, which can be a bit confusing. I mean, how different can they really be, right? That’s why we wanted to do a Pack ‘n Play review — to help you choose the right one for your family.

1. Classic Pack ‘n Play

The bare bones version of this classic will set you back ~$70 and will not let you down. It’s a little lighter (~19 pounds), and it doesn’t have much by way of bells and whistles, but here’s the big secret: you really don’t need any! You *may want to “upgrade” to the version that DOES come with a bassinet insert that raises the base level of the sleeping surface, because this is a big help with newborns when you’re laying them down/picking them up (however many zillion times a day… this part is definitely nice to have). It’s about an extra ten bucks; we think it’s worth it.

2. Pack ‘n Play with Portable Seat & Changer

This next upgraded version (~$169) is your classic play yard with an optional removable seat and (flip it over to reveal)… a flat changing surface. You can’t go wrong with this model; it’s a long-time fave. The seat (pictured below) sits on top of the PNP — or you can remove it and use it wherever you want, like a bouncer. It cups the baby on all sides; it’s like putting an egg into a carton, and it’s perfect for the first couple of months.

Again, you can flip over the napper to reveal a diaper changing surface, but I honestly don’t know many parents who used this feature very much — it’s just a little awkward, so I always just used the changing table, or the floor/bed when we were traveling. 

3. Pack ‘n Play Snuggle Suite

If you want more bells and whistles, this one (~$329, below) adds a storage “cubicle” at the end for diapers and such as well as an electronics module with music/soothing sounds and a vibration feature.

You can also remove the seat and use it separately with this one: 

You may also be interested in Pack ‘n Play-sized fitted sheets. You can also get a more permanent mattress to add comfort to your little one’s ZZZs, but you don’t need this until toddlerhood (or at all). If you do get a mattress, just be sure that you get one that’s meant to be used with the PNP!

Like I said, there are a seemingly infinite number of PNP options and upgrades, but these are the all-around favorites. Don’t overthink it! 

The post Graco Pack ‘n Play Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

Of some sort.

And even though we’ve always been fans of the classic Graco Pack ‘n Play, 4moms is definitely onto something with the Breeze Go and Breeze Plus play yards. Yes, friends, there is a LOT to like here.

Most parents agree the ease of use is well worth the extra dollars. It’s super easy to fold and unfold – seriously, it’s “insanely easy”… like, it makes the Pack ‘n Play look like rocket science, in comparison. You can do it with a single hand, in seconds. No muss, no fuss. It’s, well… a breeze (get it?)! 

Compared to the Graco Pack ‘n Play, which is not necessarily intuitive to put together and take apart, the Breeze is foolproof. For this reason, we especially recommend it as a crib or portable play yard for grandparents.

The 4moms breeze gives you a sturdy, durable sleep or play space (one mom on Amazon even said she crawled in with her baby sometimes!); it’s undoubtedly a high-quality item.

4moms Breeze Models

There are two models available: the Breeze Plus ($299) and the Breeze GO ($239). The former comes with a removable bassinet and changer (a must-have for babies under 6 months), while the GO (the travel crib version), doesn’t. Other than that (and the color), we’re talking about the same thing. 

At 23 pounds (28.5 with the bassinet and changer), the 4moms Breeze is comparable to the Pack ‘n Play and other play yards in terms of weight, and it also comes with a carry case for easy transport. Note that the handles are long, so carrying it low may cause it to drag on the floor if you’re short. On the flip side, you can actually carry this one over your shoulder, which many find easier.

Much like with the standard-issue Graco Pack ‘n Play, we think a play yard like the 4moms Breeze is a GREAT option that kills many birds with one stone: this can function as a bedside bassinet, a crib, a portable crib, and a play yard (aka playpen) for an active toddler. Yes, you can get many years of use out of this thing!

The downsides: some parents complain that the Breeze play yard sheets are pretty pricey ($30 for the bassinet mattress fitted sheet and $40 for the play yard fitted sheet). Given that you may want 2-3 sheets, this does raise the cost of an already-expensive product. Other than that, there are virtually no complaints with this play yard.

4moms Breeze Review — bottom line: Though much pricier than other play yards ($300 vs. $100 for a basic Pack n’ Play), the 4moms Breeze wins in the ease-of-use category with an extremely intuitive fold (and unfold); not to mention, it’s much more attractive. If you’re buying for a new baby, choose the Plus model, which comes with a removable bassinet and changer for infants under 6 months.

The post 4moms Breeze Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

For this FP Rock ‘n Play Bassinet Review, please note it is NOT the same as the Rock ‘N Play semi-reclined version that was recalled in April of 2019. This co-sleeper lies totally flat!

Looking for a cheap-and-dirty solution for room-sharing in the first few months? The Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Bassinet is an inexpensive, easy option for a newborn bassinet. It’s lightweight, versatile, and very easy to move around. 

The Rock ‘n Play bassinet is designed for babies aged zero to six months; and at only $79, it won’t break the bank. 

You can use this bassinet in “rocker” mode or lock the feet in place for stationary mode. (Note — the rocking is very subtle. This thing doesn’t rock all that much and probably won’t rock on a carpet. If rocking capability is a super-important feature for you, this might not be your answer.) 

The Rock ‘n Play bassinet has mesh, breathable siding and comes with a plush rattle toy and a mirror (the toy is removable; the mirror is not — which some moms find annoying because it can be distracting for babies). 

What moms love the most about the FP Rock ‘n Play bassinet is that it’s a fantastic space-saving option: it collapses and folds so easy, making it great for storage, travel, or simply moving from room to room at home. Simple bedside sleeper by night, safe nap space in the living room (or wherever) during the day? Yes, please! (It’s also a great buy for grandparents’ homes due to its portability and weight. See also: Grandparents’ Baby Gear Guide.)

At the bedside, it’s a little low for scooping up baby to nurse (especially compared to something like the Arm’s Reach or the HALO Bassinest), but for the price, it gets the job done.

The pad on the inside is advertised as machine washable and safe for dryer use, although some users have reported that it shrinks somewhat in the process, leaving space between the edges of the pad and the siding (see below). For this reason, we recommend hand-washing and air-drying the pad. (If yours does shrink, we recommend you contact FP directly to inquire about a replacement pad, as this issue could pose a suffocation risk based on the safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

At the end of the day — the Fisher Price Rock ‘n Play bassinet is an affordable, minimalist, portable solution for newborn sleep. It’s not the highest quality product on the market; but given that you’ll only be using it for a maximum of 6 months (realistically, more likely only ~4), it’s still a sound choice, especially if you’re looking for something convenient with a low profile. 

Note, again, that this item is NOT the FP Rock ‘n Play Sleeper, which was recalled due to infant deaths. Unlike the recalled sleepers, this portable bassinet lies completely flat. We wouldn’t be surprised if FP decides to rename it at some point, but we don’t see any reason to stop recommending a safe, affordable product on account of its name alone.

Cheers!

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Now, co-sleeping technically means “sleeping in close proximity to your baby,” while bed-sharing means… well, sharing a bed with your baby. If you are a soon-to-be parent with interest in either of these (pediatrician-recommended) newborn sleeping arrangements, you should definitely check out the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper.

Going on 25 years, it’s sort of a classic at this point. Hah! 

The Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper is like a mini play yard with a removable drop side that abuts perfectly (usually) to your bed. It attaches like a “sidecar,” securing to your own bed with a strap that anchors to your bed frame. It goes between the mattress and the box spring and attaches to the opposite side of the bed. 

With all-around mesh siding, it’s always easy to see baby next to you. Parents who love this sleeper rave that you can easily reach for your baby to nurse at night without even having to get up (score!). It’s similar to the HALO Bassinest, but lacks a swivel arm.

(However, note that the drop side might be cumbersome to operate in the middle of the night. It relies on Velcro, which can be noisy, so you’ll want to handle any adjustments prior to bedtime.) 

Unlike the HALO Bassinest, the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper offers generous underneath storage. This is really nice for stashing middle-of-the-night essentials like extra burp cloths, swaddles, or diapers. Although, without any built-in shelves, it isn’t the easiest space to access.

With the drop side raised, you also have the option of using this co-sleeper as a traditional, stand-alone bassinet that can be used anywhere in your house. When detached from your bed, you can roll it around the house (at 20” wide, it’ll fit through any doorway). This is pretty awesome.

The downside to Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper is that it’s strictly a 0-6 month item. Since you can’t lower the mattress (and it’s so small), you won’t be able to use it later as a play yard for travel and whatnot. Something you can do with a Pack ‘n Play.

This bassinet comes with a mattress pad and one fitted sheet. If you want extras you can get them here (they run ~$22 a pop).

To compete with HALO Bassinest, Arm’s Reach has also come out with a number of variations on its original design.

First, it released the Versatile Co-Sleeper ($250) to mimic some of the Bassinest features. This one has a more modern look and feel compared to the original. You can adjust it to fit your bed’s height, and the built-in music box plays 5 songs and a few nature sounds (on AA batteries). The Arm’s Reach Versatile also has a mobile, though many parents find it annoying and simply remove it altogether. Parents seriously LOVE this one, folks.

Arm’s Reach also now offers a 3-in-1 Co-sleeper ($270, below, left), which converts into a play yard, and a mini 2-in-1 version ($230, below, right), which is better for travel. (The full size 3-in-1 has about the same footprint as a Pack ‘n Play and the mini version is smaller, roughly 34″x19″.) We like that these offer more longevity of use compared to the original co-sleeper. But for the price tag, we’d like to see a more user-friendly play yard.

As play yards go, these Arm’s Reach 3-in-1’s leave something to be desired. They’re a huge pain in the a$$ to set up. One reviewer said: “My husband is a Professional Engineer and it can take him up to 20 minutes to assemble this.”

Bottom Line on the Arms Reach Co-Sleeper:

*If what you’re after is a bedside co-sleeper that will stay put at your bed (for the most part), the baseline Arm’s Reach Clear-Vue Co-Sleeper is a great option at a decent price point. We love it, and this is where Arm’s Reach excels. (If you want a play yard or a travel crib, your money is better spent elsewhere.)

If you’re interested in perusing all the Arm’s Reach options and seeing what the best fit for your needs is, check out Choosing the Right Co-Sleeper. 

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But yes, having one can make all the difference in drowning out loud neighbors, cars, sirens… other siblings (ahem).

**Much like with night lights, we’re starting to see many more noise machines that also offer other features, like a night light and/or a speaker and/or a clock and/or a monitor (SO many different iterations…). We’re super into these combo products, especially because some of the top manufacturers in this department — including Hatch and Yogasleep (formerly Marpac) — make really high quality products that can last for years to come.

There are two runaway favorites in the white-noise-machine only category — and you can’t go wrong with either one:

Yogasleep Marpac Dohm ~$47

This dual-speed “sound conditioner” has an actual fan inside, which creates the soothing sound of rushing air. This has only one sound setting (whoosh), and two volume settings, but that’s honestly all most people need. Yes, we own 3. Cannot. Live. Without.

LectroFan ~$49

This is another crowd pleaser. It has a wider range, with 20 non-repeating sound offerings, and multi-level volume control (from whisper to very loud). It’s also a bit smaller than the Dohm, making it easier for travel, IMO.

A separate option is to get a multi-tasker specifically designed for babies/kids:

Cloud b Tranquil Turtle Sleep Machine ~$59

This plush little guy is beloved; he has natural sounds, lullabies, a rotating projector, and an on/off timer. Seriously, kids love this thing.

Hatch Baby Rest ~$69

The Rest is a night light/sound machine combo that we love (two birds/one stone…). Actually, it also has an OK-to-wake clock function, too — though you won’t need it for years, sadly. You can even get the Hatch Baby Rest+ ($89) for a few bucks more to bundle an audio monitor with the whole thing, too. MAN I wish this had been invented ten years ago. It’s amazing.

For Travel, Around-the-House, and On-the-Go:

Yogasleep Pocket Baby Soother ~$20

This portable sound machine is SO great to have on-hand. The sound quality is top-notch and it lasts up to eight hours with a charge. It also comes with a little fastener clip to easily attach to a car seat, diaper bag, or pack ‘n’ play. Trust me — having a super-portable white noise player like this is SO much more functional than trying to use a white noise app on your phone on the fly. (Though, you can certainly do that in a pinch!)

*The buttons can be finicky, which is somewhat annoying (it can take a few times to turn it on or off), but the overall functionality of this little thing is still worth it, in IMO. Comes in unicorn, fox, dino, or penguin design.

Yogasleep Travel Mini Sound Machine & Night Light ~$27

Another great option for a portable noise machine that also offers a night light. This one has the same annoying-button issue as the travel sound machine (above), but overall the white noise quality and small size of this machine outrun that pesky issue.

Annnnd that’s a wrap in the sleep department, folks! Next on the list is products for diapering. Let’s do this…

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